Cuba has recently received significant international recognition after being elected as one of the 17 members of the General Committee of the 79th World Health Assembly, held in Geneva, Switzerland. This designation represents an endorsement of the Cuban healthcare system and of the island’s demonstrated resilience, despite the intensification of the economic blockade and growing external pressures, particularly in the energy sector.

The Cuban delegation is led by the First Vice Minister of Public Health, Dr. Tania Margarita Cruz Hernández, who is participating in the Assembly sessions through May 23. During the event, Cuba has maintained an active agenda of bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening international cooperation in public health, medical research, and healthcare development.

In parallel with the activities of the World Health Assembly, the Cuban Vice Minister held a meeting at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva with South Africa’s Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi. Both sides highlighted the historic ties of friendship and solidarity forged since the struggle against Apartheid, as well as their shared commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

The South African representative also expressed appreciation for the Cuban primary healthcare model, which is widely recognized and valued internationally, and reiterated his country’s support and solidarity in the face of the blockade imposed on the island.

Additionally, the Cuban delegation held a productive meeting with the Director of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Dr. Lei Haichao, with the aim of expanding bilateral cooperation in the health sector. During the meeting, both parties reviewed progress achieved in joint projects and discussed new initiatives related to medicine, healthcare innovation, and academic and scientific exchange.

The Cuban side reported on the ongoing impact of the tightening U.S. blockade on the national healthcare system, particularly the difficulties related to energy shortages and access to essential resources. For his part, the Chinese representative highlighted the resilience and vitality of the Cuban healthcare system despite the complex international context.

Dr. Tania Margarita Cruz Hernández also reaffirmed Cuba’s firm position in support of the “One China” principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inseparable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.

During the meeting, Dr. Lei Haichao extended an official invitation for Cuba to participate in the World Congress on Traditional and Natural Medicine, to be held in Beijing this coming October. Both delegations agreed to maintain fluid communication and to continuously strengthen healthcare cooperation—an alliance built on solid foundations and with broad prospects for future development.

These exchanges reflect how, despite challenges and external pressures, Cuba continues to expand its international ties and consolidate strategic partnerships in the field of public health and international cooperation.